A client with alteration in heart muscle function is experiencing very cold feet with decreased feeling in the feet. What should the nurse explain to the client about the mechanism of this problem?
1. The client's cardiac output is low due to damage to the heart.
2. The client has a poor nutritional profile.
3. The client is experiencing fluid volume excess.
4. The client is experiencing damage to the pancreas.
Answer: 1
1. An insufficient blood flow to the periphery can cause coldness and inability to feel pain. The problem can have many causes, one of which is a decrease of cardiac output because of some form of damage to the heart or the electrical conduction system of the heart.
2. A poor nutritional profile will not affect cardiac output unless the client's nutritional status is very severe. This client has heart muscle damage.
3. Fluid volume excess will cause edema of the lower extremities along with an attempt by the heart to pump more fluid out of the heart.
4. Damage to the pancreas does not affect cardiac output.
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